Wales’ deputy minister for transport Mark Hooper MS has announced the government’s intent to revive the long-stalled third-Menai crossing project, which would provide an alternative route to the existing Menai Suspension Bridge and Britannia Bridge crossing and alleviate traffic congestion.
Addressing the Senedd on Tuesday, Mr Hooper Hooper said that the government would pick up on work already done on the scheme to craft detailed options for the crossing, says North West Place.
Prior to the shelving of the crossing project in 2023, the scheme had a £400m price tag and a 2027 start date. It proposed building a four-lane bridge east of Britannia Bridge, which would then be reconfigured to be suitable for local traffic and cyclists.
“I want to update Members on the recent closures of the Menai Suspension Bridge, the work underway to address structural issues, and the wider programme to strengthen the resilience of crossings between Ynys Môn and the mainland, alongside action to address challenges on the M4 corridor in the south of the country,” Mr Hooper said.
“Members will be aware that the bridge has experienced repeated closures in recent weeks, triggered by drivers ignoring the 7.5 tonne weight limit. It is frustrating for everyone when clear restrictions are not followed.
“These limits are in place to protect the bridge during ongoing maintenance works, and compliance is essential if the bridge is to remain open safely. When the weight restrictions are breached, precautionary structural inspections are required and that, in turn, means closure and disruption to those in the area. Ensuring safety of the structure, the workforce and the public must come first.
“The bridge has been subject to a series of structural issues identified through ongoing inspection, including defects in critical components such as hangers and bolts beneath the deck. This is a 200-year-old structure, never designed for modern traffic demands, and it will continue to present challenges.
“While the hanger replacement and strengthening works have enabled reopening with restrictions, the bridge remains subject to a 7.5 tonne limit and traffic management measures.
“The current phase of work is focused on stabilising and preserving the structure, including repairs to crossbeams and bolts beneath the deck, alongside wider refurbishment such as repainting, concrete repairs and lighting upgrades. These works are programmed to be completed in Spring 2027 and keep disruption to a minimum. This government will press forward to resolve this at pace.
“The contractor, UK Highways A55 Ltd and their supply chain have used innovative techniques to design access platforms under the bridge with the aim to avoid daily lane closures and keep the bridge open and free flowing for the local community. This is dependent on strict adherence to the weight limit restriction, which is essential to keeping the bridge safely open during these works.
“This government is also working actively with North Wales Police and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to undertake further enforcement in the area and achieve better compliance to the weight limit.
“It is unfortunate these weight limit breaches continue to occur despite the extensive measures that have been considered and implemented. The construction programme is expected to continue until Spring 2027, reflecting both its complexity and additional defects identified during inspection. My officials will continue to work closely with UK Highways A55 Ltd to ensure delivery is as efficient as possible.
“I recognise the disruption these closures have caused to communities across Ynys Môn and all those travelling in the north of the country. This has understandably led to deep frustration, and increasing anger, among those affected, and this Government will act with greater urgency and focus on short-term measures and long-term solutions to improve resilience across the Menai Strait.
“That brings me to the wider issue of network resilience, both across the Menai Strait and on the M4 in the south of the country.
“The Menai crossings operate as a system. Britannia Bridge carries most traffic but is vulnerable to high winds, while the Menai Suspension Bridge has lower capacity and requires ongoing maintenance. When one crossing is restricted, the impact is felt immediately across the region.
“We are progressing recommendations from the North Wales Transport Commission. This includes proposals for wind deflectors on Britannia Bridge to reduce weather-related disruption, alongside broader work to improve how the two crossings operate together during periods of pressure. We are also progressing options to improve traffic management on the A55, including signalling upgrades and variable speed limits on Britannia Bridge, so that disruption can be managed more effectively when restrictions are required on either crossing.
“Looking at the longer term, we will now start looking at detailed options for a third Menai Crossing, building on the work already undertaken.”
(Picture: Traffic Wales)
